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D-backs expect injured players back starting Monday

6/18/14: Chris Owings triples off the center-field wall to move into scoring position

By Steve Gilbert
/
MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- The D-backs expect to get a host of players back from the disabled list when rosters expand on Monday.

Outfielders Cody Ross and A.J. Pollock, as well as shortstop Chris Owings and right-hander Daniel Hudson, are among those who could be activated Monday or soon thereafter.

That will give the D-backs a logjam of outfielders and manager Kirk Gibson said he will rotate the players as best he can to spread the playing time around.

Since Pollock went on the disabled list June 1, Ender Inciarte has done a nice job of playing center in his absence. Fellow rookie David Peralta has also done well while getting consistent playing time.

"We've had some young kids come on the scene," Gibson said. "Ender has played very well and is really trending upward right now. He's been really good in the leadoff spot. Really understands that role there."

With Didi Gregorius getting playing time at short in Owings' absence, the team has had Owings play some second base during his Minor League rehab assignment with the idea of possibly pairing the two up the middle.

Veteran second baseman Aaron Hill has taken grounders at third in case the club wants to keep his bat in the lineup while also playing Gregorius and Owings.

Hudson, who has been out since 2012 due to a pair of Tommy John surgeries, will be used as a reliever in September with the goal being to get him four to six appearances.